Hope this helps. Smallmouth bass, a warm-water species, can tolerate temperatures up to 86 °F and prefer temperatures above 68 °F. That's when they start to move out to deeper, cooler water where they stay until the shallower water starts to cool again in the fall. Get best fishing times with lunar fishing calendars, Daily Limit: Robertson blooms after gloom, Small crankbaits can heat up cold water fishing, Nominations open for 2021 Bassmaster High School All-Americans. One of my fondest bass fishing memories was actually created during a late season duck hunting trip in the upper mid-west when I was a teenager. Bass become active at certain times during the day and when the right weather patterns are approaching. So when they are looking for prey, they are also hiding from becoming the prey for another bigger fish. If you’re planning on targeting bass this fall, you’ll need some fall bass fishing tactics to keep in your back pocket. The pattern will change from day to day with bass … Other sub-surface presentations barely caught anything despite my fishing partner’s best efforts. It pays to keep an eye on what you are doing in the deep water. It's more of an up and down movement. Before going fishing, take note of the pressure, temperature, sunlight, rainfall, wind and other weather conditions. ... 53 degrees; 0.70’ low. Black bass are fair on drop shots, suspended jerk baits, black/red jigs, and crankbaits worked near brush, deeper creeks, and rock ledges. Weather is the real key that dictates pond fishing success during the winter, and this alone has a major influence on water temperature! These are prime winter fishing temperatures. While you may be tempted to stick to your regular springtime and summer fishing schedule of holidays and weekends, wintertime fishing in cold weather is a bit more touch-and-go. Ken Cook, quoted in this article, passed away in 2016. When the water temperature drops below 70 degrees, bass start following baitfish from the mouth of the creek to larger rock banks or any wood cover on secondary points where the fish suspend over depths of 35 to 40 feet. This is the main reason bass school up in deeper water during the warm weather months. It may seem strange but if you catch a 3 pound fish there are going to be more like that in the area. "As the water starts to cool again in the fall, forage fish such as shad move shallow, so the bass follow. If that time won’t work for you, 12:00AM to 12:00AM looks promising. 70 – 80+ Degrees. Although bass adjust to changes in their environment, they're easier to catch during certain times of the year because they're easier to find and more willing to eat. Water temperature will affect the bass much more then any other factor. "It depends on the lake or the region of the country.". Bass don't travel, of course, at least not out of their home waters, but their moods change often, which is why bass that were so active one day may seem like they have taken a vacation the next time you go fishing. Because the weather drastically affects fish activity levels, some of the best conditions for fishing depend on when Mother Nature decides to present us with a cold front. That is another of those fishing 'truths'. That's why we catch them in shallow water sometimes and in much deeper water at other times. Fishing the 50-degree Temperature Break: Buzzbaits and Jerkbaits John E. Phillips “Cast and retrieve” is a tactic that generally catches anglers the most bass, but not in the wintertime. It takes practice and lots of it. Bass and all fish need it to survive, so in many cases, they can't go any deeper than 15 feet," he said. Those changes are probably the result of a change in the water temperature or the season. They do eat and they do so efficiently. Was 40.6 I’m pretty sure it’s gonna warm some more with this warm weather that’s coming thru. Their bodies use more energy, so they need to eat more often," the 1991 Classic champ explained. "You have to keep in mind that in the winter, bass don't need to feed much at all, so don't expect to catch a bunch. There are fewer temperature and oxygen level fluctuations, which bass don't seem to like," said Allen Forshage, director of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Research Center. 60-70 Degree Water Temps. But if it's between 55 degrees and 85 degrees, temperature really doesn't affect bass … I try to target either the fish that spawned earliest and are moving out toward their summer digs, or the late bedders. So here are some cold weather gear tips to help extend your boating season. Small fish, crawfish, frogs and other creatures are most abundant and most active in shallow water, so that's where the bass will be. Secondly, bass use these areas for protection. 60-70 degrees: not all crappie will spawn at the same time. Summer bass stay near their food supply. Although bass eat less in the winter, they still have to eat something occasionally. Today the temperature is going to be near 70 degrees. April 15, 2016 at 7:33 … Winter Bass Fishing . They will be heading towards shoreline structure and will be hanging out in the shallows. Water temperatures change as the seasons change, and although temperature and seasonal variations both play different roles in bass behavior, the two are linked. Oh yeah last weekend the water temp. The primary complaint you'll hear about fall bass fishing revolves around the prevalence of small fish. However, the temperature doesn’t usually hold off in the 70’s or even the 80’s, and when summer arrives, it can climb over the 100-degree mark. When the shad migrate to the backs of creeks and bays this time of year, the bass aren't far behind. They will chase lures to some degree and are likely to be caught on a number of baits. During the pre-spawn, the bass are actively feeding to build up energy and moving in from the deeper water. The author, Wes Junker, with a five pound bass caught on Lake Okeechobee . 6) Finally, if all else fails, live bait will almost always put 'em in the boat. There are many other fish that would love a nice meal of bass. By Wes Junker. If you can catch a couple in a day, you've done pretty well," he explained. 5) Spinner baits if used right, can catch bass in almost all conditions. But based on his lifelong experience as a bass angler and biologist, he had a good understanding of where to find bass as the seasons change and as the water temperatures rise and fall. Water clear; 55 degrees; 0.70 low. Launched the boat yesterday at day break and the water was 90.8-91.2 degrees and warmed up to 94 by 1100. When the summer heat warms the waters, bass fishing can get a little tricky, especially in those warm southern regions. In the spring and fall, the "grocery store" is usually close to the shoreline and around cover like aquatic grass, rocks and docks. Pre-Spawn, Spawn & Post-Spawn. JOIN TODAY! Once we get further into late winter and the water starts to tick into the low 50s, bass begin to move into the prespawn mode and it’s time to get after them. Fall Bass Fishing FAQs. Once the water temperature reaches 75 degrees or higher in the shallows, most bass will move off shore to deeper water. Bass use these deep water areas for a number of reasons. In the heat of summer, most of us move as little as possible. Night fishing is especially effective for anglers that enjoy shallow, power fishing techniques. Pay close attention to where you casted when you catch that first nice fish. While the definition of cold weather fishing might be a bit different depending on where you live, there are some general tips that can help you learn how to fish in cold weather and be successful at it. As winter gives way to spring and longer, warmer days heat the water, bass start thinking about spawning, so they move into shallow water because bass eggs need sunlight and warmth in order to hatch. Membership Includes 1 Year Bassmaster Magazine, Plus $50 in free gear. Black bass are fair on drop shots, suspended jerk baits, black/red jigs, and crankbaits worked near brush, deeper creeks, and rock ledges. When water temperatures dip into the 30s, slowing down your approach and downsizing your baits are the keys to catching bass. Pay attention to the water temperature and use this to your advantage to locate schools of fish. While waiting for things to warm up and the sun to come out, Fred, Richie, and Andy picked away at some largemouth bass. Not sure which lures will help you score a largemouth on the warmest days of the year? In many cases, shad move toward the backs of long coves and bays, so the bass are in those same places," explained Cook. By Wes Junker. 1. If you're … This is a real tough time to pattern bass. The biggest question we get asked by anglers is when to throw what bait. As we begin the … Water temps were in the range of 67-70 degrees on this fishing trip. During the heat of summer bass will often move to cooler, shady areas near the bottom of the water column. And these experts tell you how to get the most out of your days on the water. I know it is easy to just cast all over the area but it may be a very small spot that produces your fish. Largemouth tend to have a lower tolerance for cold water, whereas smallmouth and spotted bass … In different areas of the country, water temperatures between 55 and 60 degrees will set bass into a spawning mode that will change the whole complexion of the lake we are fishing. Studies (please refer to the accompanying chart) have shown that when the surface temperature of a lake is in the high 80's and low 90's, the water atthe 10-12 foot level will be in the low 70… The bass have to thinking what is going on? For example, lake trout, a cold-water species, can tolerate (survive) temperatures up to 70 to 73 °F but has a core preferred temperature range of 46-59 °F. Bass living in … In 50 degree … Bass are confusing creatures. Temperatures during the spawn are usually around 55-70 degrees. Cook said bass in clear lakes will often retreat to deep water in the summer to find that shade if they have food and oxygen, but bass living in murky water will often stay close to shore throughout the summer. But Ken Cook, a retired fisheries biologist and a professional bass angler, said it's a mistake to say bass prefer one season or another or that they "like" a certain temperature range. Return to BestBassFishingInfo Home, © Copyright 2009 - 2012 BestBassFishingInfo.com. Cook said he only pays attention to his boat's thermometer when it's very hot — above 85 degrees — or very cold — which to him is anything below 50. Stable weather is fishing weather during which bass … Water clear; 55 degrees. "Oxygen is a limiting factor. Remember to adjust these times based on barometric pressure, and weather … As the days shorten and the air temperature falls, the water starts to get cold. worth bass fishing in 62-64 degree weather?? Confused? I am thinking … The warm summer months are often the best time to fish for bass on lakes and rivers across the country. 50 to 60 Degrees. Some crappie will be out in deeper water and some will be closer to the banks during spawning. The biggest challenge for many anglers is changing their summer fishing tactics to winter tactics. They will feed but not nearly as much as they do in the optimum temperature ranges. They'll usually be in shallower water. It is also important to realize that most of the time bass school up in size groups. First and foremost, they are seeking food. Sudden weather change is bad for fishing. There is nothing like locating that school of pigs because during this time frame those fish will hold an area for days and sometimes weeks. The colder days that follow can actually create good opportunities to put cold weather fishing tips for largemouth bass into practice. A community for bass anglers from all around the globe to meet and exchange … Bass and Warmwater. Fish Temperatures Temperature at which fish become more active (in degrees fahrenheit): Largemouth Bass: 65-75 Smallmouth Bass: 65-70 Rock Bass: 70-74 White Bass: 65-70 White Crappie: 71-75 Black Crappie: 71-75 Walleye: 64-70 Yellow Perch: 68-72 Bluegills: 68-72 Channel Catfish: 82-88 Flathead Catfish: 84-88 Brown Trout: 56-66 Rainbow Trout: 62-64 Steelhead Trout: 55-60 Lake Trout: 50-55 In 80 degree water a bass digests its food in about four hours. In cold water, fish tend to slow down and feed only at opportune times that won’t require to much energy to consume. Postspawn: 70 to 75 degrees. How deep do they go? Stability is the key. Expert Fall Bass Fishing Tactics. In the same sense, if you catch a 1 pound fish there will be more like that down there. 1. "They really don't move that far. Cold-fronts during the early part of the season will effect smallmouth bass more than later in the year. 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